MUSCLE FATIGUE .

[Ambler58]

Hello ! Aswell as becoming breathless very quickly - after about half an hour of very slow walking it seems like every muscle in my body turns to wood - and I become absolutely drained of energy , is this related to COPD ? , can it be reversed ? , hope someone can throw some light on this , thank you .

[Ern007]

See your GP. COPD mainly moderate or severe can cause or aggravate MUSCLE FATIGUE . I get that when walking, pays to walk slower or take short rests..

[Ambler58 in reply to Ern007]

Thank you

[Caspiana]

Hello Ambler. I don't have COPD but I do have Bronchiolitis Obliterans which is a lung disease of the small airways. Before I had my lung transplant I had a lot of muscle fatigue particularly in my legs. It is quite common and seems to affect the leg muscles more than other muscles. Reduced O2 supply increases the rate of muscle fatigue for sure. However, please don't let this deter you from keeping up your walking. You must stay active even though it's hard. Are you on oxygen? I would talk to your doctor about it.

Best wishes,

Cas 🙋‍♀️🐕

[Ambler58 in reply to Caspiana]

Thank youCas

[Bevvy]

Have you attended a pulmonary rehab course? This is a 2hr course, twice a week for several weeks. It is usually overseen by physios and nurses. First hour is exercise where you will be monitored and helped to exercise safely. Second half is education where you learn more about how you manage your condition to keep as well as possible.

Speak to your gp and ask for a referral for the course.

[Ambler58 in reply to Bevvy]

Thank you

[PaulineHM]

Hi, as Bevvy has said a Pulmonary Rehabilitation programme is the way to go to build your muscle tone, learn good self care to feel better and help you manage your breathing and is well worth it.

Ask your medical team to refer you or ask to see a specialist respiratory physiotherapist.

Let us know how you get on.

Go well

Pauline

[Ambler58 in reply to PaulineHM]

Thank you

[Ergendl]

The muscles use oxygen to change the calories in your blood into energy to make them work. When you're breathless, there is less oxygen going into your lungs to be picked up by the red blood cells which take the oxygen to the muscles. Graded exercises help to improve this. So do try to take a pulmonary rehab course, as the physios will help you improve your tolerance to exercise and other activities.

All the best.

[Ambler58]

Thank you Ergendl

[Trevor6]

morning Ambler , yes I too have muscle aches, I unfortunately struggle to breathe when I move from room to room in our apartment and it’s bloody annoying. It upsets me when I get like this by just doing the simplest of things . But I push on , and my husband is great , and I am very lucky as he is a qualified nurse . U take care, Trevor

[Ambler58 in reply to Trevor6]

Hi Trevor6 , yes so frustrating, especially when I use to be so active , thank you for taking the time to reply .

[Trevor6]

good morning 🌅